Projects

Southampton Forward is working on projects in partnership with a range of local organisations.

These range from intimate storytelling in homes to an annual mass participation project where everyone in the city, and beyond, can get involved.

Current Projects

City Reflections: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories

Experience Southampton’s rich past through a six-location projection trail, illuminating the stories etched into its buildings and streets.
City Reflections: Illuminating Southampton’s Stories is a four-night projection trail taking place in February 2026. Six of Southampton’s most iconic heritage buildings in the Old Town and city centre will be brought to life with light, sound and storytelling, drawing on rarely seen items from the city’s Art, Maritime and Archaeology Collections. At its heart is a process of community co-curation, with six Community Curators working closely with the creative team to shape the stories shared at each location.

IGNITE

Ignite is a six-month leadership programme for Southampton’s emerging changemakers. Whether you’re already active in your community or just starting out, Ignite offers the space, support and skills to help you grow. Co-designed with local voices, it’s leadership on your terms — shaped by your story, your values, and your ambitions.

Southampton’s Jazz Story

Saturday 18 October

A one-night-only celebration of Southampton’s rich jazz heritage — and the social history it reflects. Featuring a 12-piece band, guest vocalists, rare archive footage and powerful storytelling, this live show takes audiences on a musical journey from the 1920s to now.

From New Orleans swing to soul-jazz and bebop, discover how jazz shaped — and was shaped by — the city’s evolving identity as a global port. A must-see for music lovers, history fans and anyone connected to Southampton.

Completed Projects

Tapestry Festival

TAPESTRY was a brand-new open-air festival of music and culture that took place on Southampton’s Westquay Esplanade on 19–20 July 2025. Inspired by the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen, the event reimagined her connection to folk music with a fresh, global twist – featuring an eclectic mix of acclaimed artists and rising talent.

Set against the backdrop of the city’s medieval walls and with free entry, TAPESTRY offered a vibrant celebration of Southampton’s cultural identit

Multi Stories

Now in its third year, Multi-Stories is returning to Westquay’s multi-storey car park, once again transforming the space into a vibrant, open-air street art gallery. Launched in 2023, the event has quickly become a highlight of Southampton’s cultural calendar – celebrating creativity, community and urban expression.

SO: Governance

Join SO: Governance on Nov 29 for essential insights on building governance and resilience in Southampton’s non-profit sector

Pub Cultures

Pub Cultures paired nine Southampton pubs with local artists to create bespoke artworks inspired by the voices of their communities. Unveiled in April 2025, the pieces – from murals to textiles – were shaped through workshops and storytelling, capturing the unique spirit of each space.

Home Theatre Southampton

In partnership with Solent University and director Kerry Kyriacos Michael MBE, Home Theatre Southampton brought 11 intimate performances to life—each hosted in a local home and inspired by the personal stories of its residents. Over 100 participants and 33 creatives co-created this unique citywide project.

City Reflections

From 14–23 February 2025, Southampton’s medieval city walls were lit up with striking projections at The Esplanade, celebrating some of the incredible Community Legends who help make the city shine.

Corner Shops

Corner Shop & Portal Into Other Worlds, led by artist Darrell Vydelingum, celebrated the cultural role of seven local shops in Southampton, recording their oral histories for the city archive. In partnership with local universities, the project also introduced new shop signage featuring playful, everyday phrases.

Emerge Youth Festival

Southampton’s youth, in partnership with SoCo Music and Southampton Forward, co-created a youth-driven festival, held at Hoglands Park on 7th September.

SO: Inclusive

SO: Electronic

Southampton Forward partnered with local venues and SoCo Music Project for a weekend celebrating a side of Southampton’s incredible music heritage.